United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Doug Burgum, the two-term governor of North Dakota, to take the helm of the U.S. Department of the Interior. This important department is responsible for managing a vast array of public lands, which includes approximately 500 million acres nationwide.
Burgum, aged 68, is recognized as a staunch ally of the fossil fuel industry. However, throughout his political career, he has also advocated for outdoor recreation and the development of innovative technology aimed at curbing carbon emissions. This dual focus positions him uniquely at the intersection of conservation and industrial interests.
During a gala event hosted at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump shared his nomination plans with attendees, a revelation that was first reported by the Associated Press. “I won’t tell you his name—it might be something like Burgum,” he quipped, alluding to his nominee who was present in the room. Trump confidently declared, “Actually, he’s going to head the Department of Interior, and he’s going to be fantastic.”
The Department of the Interior has a profound influence over outdoor spaces, overseeing agencies such as the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management, which are critical to maintaining trails and campgrounds that provide recreational opportunities for the public.
Burgum has a demonstrated history of promoting outdoor activities as part of his governance. In an initiative that took place in May, he established North Dakota’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, which aims to bolster outdoor activities. Alongside this office’s creation, he allocated $1.2 million in grants to support infrastructure projects like trail development.
“From the sales and service of boats, RVs and ATVs, to hunting and fishing gear, bicycles and skis, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of our state’s economic well-being,” Burgum emphasized in an official release, highlighting the significance of recreational industries to North Dakota’s economy.
The Interior Department plays a crucial role in deciding whether public lands will be leased for industrial activities, including logging and oil extraction. Burgum’s nomination indicates that the Trump administration intends to vigorously pursue its “drill, baby, drill” agenda, favoring fossil fuel production over conservation efforts.
Despite briefly vying against Trump for the Republican nomination, Burgum has established firm connections with the oil and gas sector. Notably, during his campaign for the North Dakota governorship in 2016, he received substantial financial backing, garnering over $100,000 from oil industry executives, which underscores his deep-rooted ties to fossil fuel interests.
In April, he played a significant role in organizing a high-profile fundraising dinner for Trump, attended by some of the wealthiest figures in the oil industry. Reports indicate that Burgum reassured attendees that Trump would combat what he termed President Biden’s “attack” on the oil and gas sector.
As a billionaire himself, Burgum has frequently criticized President Biden’s policies aimed at restricting extraction industry activities. He has vocally opposed the administration’s plans to elevate costs related to oil and gas leases managed by the Bureau of Land Management, asserting that these measures would deter producers and escalate energy prices for American consumers.
Yet, Burgum has also advocated for innovative decarbonization technologies. In a notable initiative from 2021, he announced a target for North Dakota to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, a goal he aims to accomplish through methods such as carbon capture and storage, which involves sequestering greenhouse gases underground.
Environmental advocacy groups expressed their concerns following Burgum’s nomination announcement on Friday morning. The Wilderness Land Trust highlighted its longstanding commitment to preserving vulnerable lands, asserting its readiness to collaborate with the new administration to advance these missions.
Conversely, some organizations reacted with discontent. David Seabrook, who serves as the interim president of the Wilderness Society, criticized Burgum’s record of undermining environmental protections. “Public lands are beloved and vitally important to people in this country,” he stated, expressing apprehensions about the potential impact of Burgum’s leadership on public land management practices.
If his nomination is confirmed, Burgum would succeed Deb Haaland, who was appointed to the position by President Biden in 2020, marking a significant shift in leadership for the Department of the Interior.
How do you plan to address the concerns of environmental advocates regarding your ties to the fossil fuel industry while in office?
He would work to promote the interests of the fossil fuel sector if confirmed for the Cabinet position.
**Interview with Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump’s Nominee for the U.S. Department of the Interior**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Governor Burgum. President-elect Trump has announced your nomination for the U.S. Department of the Interior. How do you feel about taking on this crucial role?
**Doug Burgum:** Thank you for having me. I am honored and excited about the opportunity. The Department of the Interior is responsible for managing our nation’s public lands and resources, which is a massive responsibility. I see it as a chance to balance innovation in energy production with conservation efforts to ensure our lands are preserved for future generations.
**Editor:** In your career, you’ve emphasized outdoor recreation as an integral part of North Dakota’s economy. How do you plan to continue supporting these activities at a national level?
**Doug Burgum:** Absolutely. Outdoor recreation has tremendous economic potential. At the state level, I launched North Dakota’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, and this kind of initiative can be scaled up nationally. We must ensure that our parks, trails, and campgrounds are well-maintained and accessible while also promoting tourism associated with outdoor activities.
**Editor:** Your nomination has raised concerns among environmental advocates, given your strong ties to the fossil fuel industry. How do you respond to critics who worry that your priorities may lean more toward industrial interests over conservation?
**Doug Burgum:** I understand those concerns, but I believe it is possible to integrate energy development with strong environmental stewardship. We can support responsible energy production while implementing innovative technologies to reduce carbon emissions. My approach is to find synergy between these two demands—advancing our fossil fuel capabilities while safeguarding our natural resources.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on how you would handle decisions regarding leases for oil and gas extraction on public lands?
**Doug Burgum:** My goal would be to create a transparent process that weighs the economic benefits of energy extraction against environmental impacts. Collaboration with local communities, environmental experts, and industry leaders will be key to making informed decisions that respect both our economic needs and the health of our ecosystems.
**Editor:** Lastly, President Trump mentioned that he’s confident you will be fantastic in this role. What do you hope to achieve as the head of the Department of the Interior?
**Doug Burgum:** I aim to ensure our public lands are not only profitable but also preserved and enjoyed by all Americans. My vision is to create pathways for sustainable development that provide jobs and support communities while respecting the legacy of our natural heritage. It’s about finding that balance for the benefit of our economy and our environment.
**Editor:** Thank you, Governor Burgum. We look forward to seeing how your vision unfolds if confirmed.
**Doug Burgum:** Thank you for the opportunity. I appreciate your interest in this important dialogue.